It has long been believed that Dr Mac utilized fewer bunkers than most archies of his time, at least near the end of his career. Indeed, Augusta looks to have had 26 bunkers when originally designed. Even with an ~50% increase, at roughly 39 today - this could hardly be considered many in most circles and perhaps the fewest of any current championship course. What fascinates me about the original bunkering (other than the low number) is the very unusual placement. Dr Mac seems to have followed a recipe which meant only a handful of bunkers would effect players on any given day, but that most would eventually come into play if enough rounds were recorded. It is especially noteworthy that few if any bunkers guard the greens in the fashion Dr Mac advocated - that is bunkers which eat into greens as we see on other courses on a more sandy terrain than Augusta. It is also interesting that a few centreline forward bunkers were provided (#s 2 &
for the hacker to enjoy and which would never have bothered the best players, but I suspect good club players found on occassion. Equally, Dr Mac provided a few centreline bunkers for the more accomplished golfers (#s 3 & 18). Incidentally, I am sure these bunkers harassed many players of lesser abililties on their second shots. Additionally, Dr Mac was more than willing to continue his framing of holes to the rear of greens, #13 being the lone example at Augusta. Oddly, on the original 16th (this hole is completely different today) which played straight over Rae's Creek not unlike the 12th, there were two bunkers stranded miles off to the left of the green. There are other oddities about the bunkering which are intriguing, such as the what I am sure the visual effect is one, but I leave this post with a curious bunker scheme. The 12th had (and still does) three bunkers, but it would have seemed to me with Rae guarding the front and a steeply wooded bank guarding the rear, that #12 wouldn't need sand.
Anyway, I am hoping that some guys in the know will help me understand Augusta's bunker scheme. I find it incredibly interesting, but am at a loss for properly understanding it without better knowledge of the terrain. Here is hoping to a long conversation which will bring out lots of good photos and sketches.
Ciao